flashpoint for learners of EnglishPowered by COBUILD (flæʃpɔɪnt)

Word forms: flashpoints

Definitions

1. variable noun

A flashpoint is the moment at which a conflict, especially a political conflict, suddenlygetsworse and becomes violent. ⇒ The immediate flashpoint was Wednesday's big rally in the city centre. ⇒ There are still plenty of potential flashpoints in relations between the two countries.

2. countable noun

A flashpoint is a place which people think is dangerous because political trouble may start there and then spread to other towns or countries. ⇒ The more serious flashpoints are outside the capital. ⇒ It could become the next Balkan flashpoint.